Design and evaluation of a petrol-powered yam pounding machine for rural communities in Sub-Saharan Africa

Pounded yams are a popular traditional dish in Sub-Saharan Africa, typically prepared using a labor-intensive mortar and pestle method. Although electric yam-pounding machines are available, their dependence on electricity limits their applicability in off-grid rural communities. This study presents the design and performance evaluation of a cost-effective petrol-powered yam pounding machine constructed using locally sourced materials. The prototype consists of a stainlesssteel pounding chamber, belt drive system, shaft, rotor, and gasoline engine. Performance evaluation demonstrated high operational efficiency ranging from 97% to 99.67%, particularly when larger yam masses were processed with shorter processing times. Regression analysis (R² = 0.99) indicated that yam mass significantly influenced pounding efficiency, texture, and lump formation. Nutritional and microbial analyses confirmed that the machine-processed yam maintained acceptable nutritional quality and hygienic safety. Sensory evaluation further indicated a higher preference for machinepounded yam compared with the traditionally prepared product. Overall, this innovation provides a practical and scalable solution for rural communities, improving food processing efficiency while preserving the cultural importance of pounded yams.